Over my desk in a dark office bending,
Dim seems the sunlight and dull seems the day;
But when the afternoon draws toward an ending,
Here waits my steel steed--I mount, and away!
Like cobwebs of silver I see in the distance
The glint of bright wheels, I must follow and find.
What life in the air now! what zest in existence,
As faster and faster I race with the wind.
Down the smooth pavements, and out toward the heather--
Ho! fellows, ho! I am coming you see!
Breast to breast, now let us speed on together--
Who dares try mounting that hillside with me?
Over the bridge I go--past the green meadows,
Au revoir, boys, I will ride on alone!
For in yon cottage half hid in the shadows,
Waiting for me, is my sweetheart--my own.
She watches my wheel as it glitters and glistens
Down the steep crest of the daisy-starred hill.
Fair is her cheek as she waits there and listens
For the sure signal blown tenderly shrill.
Sweetheart, my sweetheart, I'm coming, I'm coming.
Here, sturdy steed, you may stand by the wall.
A bird to her mate has flown swift thro' the gloaming,
Love, youth and summer, thank God for them all.
"THE OLD MOON IN THE NEW MOON'S ARMS."
The beautiful and slender young New Moon,
In trailing robes of pink and palest blue,
Swept close to Venus, and breathed low: "A boon
A precious boon, I ask, dear friend, of you.
"O queen of light and beauty, you have known
The pangs of love--its passions and alarms;
Then grant me this one favor, let my own--
My lost Old Moon be once more in my arms."
Swift thro' the vapors and the golden mist--
The Full Moon's shadowy shape shone on the night,
The New Moon reached out clasping arms and kissed
Her phantom lover in the whole world's sight.